Indian Creek, Toledo, Belize — Central America

Ball Court

Structures 18 & 19

Photographed By James Hulse, January 29, 2024

1. Ball Court Marker

Inscription. This ball court consists of two parallel structures, and the rectangular space between them. At the center of this space there is a ballcourt marker. The Maya ball game, as it is recorded in the Popol Vuh (sacred book of the Quiche Maya), is a ritual associated with the creation of the universe, the earth, and all that lies within. The game is played with a large round ball made of hard rubber. The rules of the game are not known, but it is clear that the movements of the ball represents the cycles of the sun, moon and other celestial bodies.

Erected by Institute of Archaeology National Institute of Culture and History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Sports.

Location. 16° 19.297′ N, 88° 49.469′ W. Marker is in Indian Creek, Toledo. Marker is on Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins Road, 0.4 kilometers north of Southern Highway. The marker is located in the Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins and there is a small fee to visit. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 16 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. E-Group (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Royal Residence (about 120 meters away); Tomb #1

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(about 150 meters away); a different marker also named Ball Court (approx. 15 kilometers away).

Also see . . .
1. Nim Li Punit. The Mayan Ruins Website

Nim Li Punit is a small, yet important archaeological zone located in the south of Belize. It is a modern name meaning “Big Hat” in Kekchi Maya after an image of a ruler depicted on a stela recovered from the site. Its original name has yet to be deciphered.

The site is centered upon the leveled summits of small hills within a richly diverse tropical forest situated in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. It was established to exploit the areas natural resources and to take advantage of the extensive trade network that existed in the region. It is situated 9 miles/15 kms northeast of, and was contemporaneous with, the Maya site of Lubaantun which was the main political/economic center in the region. The population has been estimated between 5,000 to 7,000 individuals.

(Submitted on February 3, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Maya Ballgame. Wikipedia

The ball was put in motion by action of the right hip, the right elbow, and the right knee, and was not permitted to touch the ground. It could be passed between players in each team by propulsion by those body parts. The aim
Photographed By James Hulse, January 29, 2024

2. The view of the Ball Court and Marker
was to move the ball back to the opposite team, preferably through the ring. The goal of the opposition (what today might be termed ‘the defense’) was to force the offense to lose control and to allow the ball to touch the ground. The stone ring was an innovation of the late-classic and early post-classic periods, as seen in Chi.

(Submitted on February 3, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Closeup of the Ball Court Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, January 29, 2024

3. Closeup of the Ball Court Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 35 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.